Athlete of the Week: Tripp Combs

Arendell Parrott Academy’s goalkeeper Tripp Combs stands on school’s soccer field last week during Senior Night. The senior recorded six shutouts on the season.

Zach Frailey / The Free Press

By Jessika Morgan / Sports Editor

Published: Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 07:41 PM.

It was probably the best favor anyone could ask of Tripp Combs.

When the Arendell Parrott Academy senior was in seventh grade, he was asked to play goalkeeper during a recreation soccer season — and he never looked back.

He’s played the position for six years now. This season, which included Parrott’s first soccer conference championship, Combs recorded six shutouts.

“I started playing (soccer) and I fell in love with it quickly,” said the 18-year-old Combs. “My grandparents, for one Christmas, gave me a regulation-size goal in my yard. I kicked every day and just practiced hard in and out of practice.”

He started playing for the Patriots in the eighth grade, realizing he’d have to catch up with the other guys. Under the leadership of Parrott coach Steve Logan and a “task-master” GK coach, Combs has become what Logan dubbed a “quality goalkeeper.”

“Tripp has a lot of raw ability,” Logan said. “One of the pleasures of being Tripp’s coach is knowing he’s in the goal because he’s solid. … That, I think, sets the whole team at ease. It lets us play with a lot more composure knowing we have such a great talent back there.”

Tripp had six saves in the championship game Tuesday against rival Raleigh St. David’s School.

When the Arendell Parrott Academy senior was in seventh grade, he was asked to play goalkeeper during a recreation soccer season — and he never looked back.

He’s played the position for six years now. This season, which included Parrott’s first soccer conference championship, Combs recorded six shutouts.

“I started playing (soccer) and I fell in love with it quickly,” said the 18-year-old Combs. “My grandparents, for one Christmas, gave me a regulation-size goal in my yard. I kicked every day and just practiced hard in and out of practice.”

He started playing for the Patriots in the eighth grade, realizing he’d have to catch up with the other guys. Under the leadership of Parrott coach Steve Logan and a “task-master” GK coach, Combs has become what Logan dubbed a “quality goalkeeper.”

“Tripp has a lot of raw ability,” Logan said. “One of the pleasures of being Tripp’s coach is knowing he’s in the goal because he’s solid. … That, I think, sets the whole team at ease. It lets us play with a lot more composure knowing we have such a great talent back there.”

Tripp had six saves in the championship game Tuesday against rival Raleigh St. David’s School.

“(The win) means we can look back and say we did it,” Combs said. “Hard works pays off is what they say. I think hard work—by not just me but the whole team— paid off.”

Combs, who may likely pursue a law career, looks to attend either N.C. State of North Carolina. He will graduate having completed nine Advanced Placement classes.

And as he finishes his final season at Parrott, he played a compelling position on a historic team.

“You’re the hero and the villain at the same time,” Combs said about being goalie. “You’re the last person back and the team kind of counts on you when you make mistakes.”

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.